Iran launched its response Friday to Israel’s attacks, firing waves of ballistic missiles that set off warnings across Israel for residents to take shelter and caused dozens of injuries.

Air raid sirens were heard in several cities across Israel as military officials say just under 100 Iranian missiles targeting military and civilian targets were in the first barrage and second salvo of missiles. 

Prime Minister Netanyahu released a video addressing the people of Iran as he said Israel is “in the midst of one of the greatest military operations in history.”

“The Islamic regime, which has oppressed you for almost 50 years, threatens to destroy my country, the state of Israel,” he said. “The objective of Israel’s military operation is to remove this threat, both the nuclear threat and the ballistic missile threat. And as we achieve our objectives, we’re also clearing the path for you to achieve your objective, which is freedom.”

Mr. Netanyahu said that more strikes, beyond the strikes on Iran’s top military leaders and nuclear facilities, are “on the way.”

“The regime doesn’t know what hit them, they don’t know what will hit them,” he said. 

He then appeared to encourage the people of Iran to try to overthrow the government as he said “the time has come” for Iranians to stand up for “your freedom from an evil and repressive regime” that has “never been weaker.”

Mr. Netanyahu’s comments were posted on social media in the aftermath of dozens of Iranian ballistic missiles being fired at Israel. 

Israeli television reports urge listeners to heed “sustained” warnings that missile attacks could last several hours. After a few hours, Israelis were told they could leave the safe rooms, but stay nearby.

For now, injuries are minimal, as the vast majority of the projectiles have been intercepted by Israel’s multi-layered missile defense systems. Israel’s Kan news reports that American missile defense systems are helping Israel in the interceptions.

One house at the center of Tel Aviv was damaged from a direct impact. The location was described by reporters as a high-rise building “near a strategic site.” Israeli officials said that some individuals might have been trapped in that building. 

“Iran has crossed major red lines, and will pay a heavy price,” Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, said in a statement. Until now Israel targeted top Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists, but refrained from striking civilian leaders, including the supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. 

Some have suggested that if Israel wanted to escalate its attacks, it could hit civilian infrastructure, such as bridges and roads, which could sow chaos and cause economic damage to the Islamic Republic.

The Iranian missile strikes have been widely expected in the hours since Israel carried out strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and top military commanders. Mr. Netanyahu said the purpose of what has been dubbed “Operation Rising Lion” is to “remove” the threat of the Islamic Republic acquiring a nuclear weapon. 

Earlier on Friday, Khamenei said Israel “must expect severe punishment.” 

“We will not allow Israel to do a hit-and-run attack,” the supreme leader said, according to Israel’s Yediot website. “Israel began this war. The response will not be measured.”

Throughout the day, the X account for Iran’s military posted bizarre messages on the social media platform. One picture appeared to show the aftermath of a missile strike in Israel with the caption, “We’ve arrived.”

Another included a quote from the Quran that reads, “Fight them until mischief ends and obedience remains for God.” The post included a depiction of a fiery creature resembling a demon. 

Some videos on social media on Friday reportedly showed missiles making impact at Tel Aviv. However, it was unclear how many, if any, hit their targets or if they were missile fragments falling to the ground after being intercepted. 

There have been reports of 34 injuries following the attacks, with one said to be a serious injury. One video showed a rescue team carrying a dog to safety.

However, the exact extent of the damage from Iran’s attack was not immediately clear.